Even though the BMW i8, i3 and M3/M4 were the starts of the BMW stand (in that order), I was more interested in the upcoming 2-Series. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A3, the 2-Series is rear wheel drive, as the future 1-Series moves to a front-drive platform shared with Mini.

The 2-Series looks to be about the size of the E46 coupe, with better proportions than the too-tall 1-Series. In this case, model bloat appears to work in its favor. Not only is it a more elegant design, but smaller adults may actually fit in the rear seats.

A BMW representative raved to me about the M235i, the fully loaded baby Bimmer with monobloc calipers, M fender badges, a twin-turbo I6 and, oddly enough, an automatic gearbox for the display model. Sitting to its left was a 228i, with the N20 four-banger and sliding piston calipers. The M235i, he told me, will hit 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds.

And the 228i? “About 5.1 is what we estimate.” So, inconsequential in the real world, but great for advertising and forum-bragging purposes. “But,” he countered, “by the time you option up a 228i, you may as well just get an M235i.”

As an owner of two of non-“2″ BMW’s, I am beginning to think that, yes, they have a good driving “feel”, but a lot of cars are coming close to that.

Since BMW spent $3B on Project i, and has thereby forsaken real dazzle with a completely new ICE line, — well, this sort of stuff looks “old”, like the “badge engineering” of the old GM era. Different lengths of sausages with minor changes/improvements. Probably done this way because there’s little $$$ left over for R&D on the Big Win in ICE..

Even the new M3/M4 twins are so evolutionary that I am asking, why bother? Where’s the “slam dunk?” 425 HP and a turbo 6? Why not 525HP and a turbo V-8? …..and let it get 30 MPG.

If Tadge did that with the C7 Z06 Corvette, it would not attract anyone’s admiration…

Totally agree! I’m a BMW owner myself and it seems like BMW designers are as lazy as Porsche 911 designers as of late. I find the domestics are much more interesting (which is great). As BMW continues to introduce new models as often as I take a piss, you would think they would try something new with the design language? I think I have a pretty good idea what the new 2015 8.5 coupe and 9 sedan will look like…

From all the tests I’ve read, the 4 has much better low end torque than the old NA six, and runs out of breath beyond 6K rpm. That’s the reason for all these new turbos, low end grunt, the BMW peaks at 1250 rpm.

It is not an invigorating engine though, based on the X1 I drove, and it’s mechanically noisy.

But listed torque peaks are for full throttle full load. This is especially true in a turbo car. Floor a NA engine at 1500 rpm and you will almost instantaneously get max torque at that rpm. Floor a FI engine at 1500 rpm and you need to wait for the turbo to spool before you see listed torque at that rpm. Engine designs are getting much much better to the point where it may not matter that much, but full load engine stats does not provide one with engine character during normal driving situations.

Doesn’t work that way with modern turbos. “Peak” torque is across something like 1200-5000 rpm on the BMW. Tiny turbo + variable valve timing for the win. Even with my ’08 Saab, peak torque was 2K-5.5K. Lag was basically non-existant. The BMW motor is significantly more sophisticated, being direct-injection, throttle-less, and fully variable valve timing equipped.

I own an e91 328i with the n/a I6, the 2.0T in the F3x cars (same engine as in the 2-series) absolutely trounces it at any engine speed. The I6 is basically gutless under 4K rpm, though Valvetronic does mean that it too makes its peak torque across a wide rpm range. But the peak is a lot lower, and max hp is at the redline. The I6 sounds nice, but the turbo 4 is a whole bunch faster. Heck, the new 328d is barely slower than the old 328i automatic.

And BMW does not seem to be exaggerating the fuel economy of the 2.0T – folks are getting some pretty impressive figures out of them.

No it does work that way, but like I said modern FI engines have largely overcome those traits and having driven BMw’s latest, they are very very good. They still have lag though – but it is miniscule.

@krhodes – I disagree on the BMW I6 being “gutless” below 4k. I will concede that the N20 is certainly quicker, but I rarely have to rev my 330i beyond 4k in normal driving. Normally, if I’ve got the rpms above 3-3.5k, it’s because I’ve decided that I want a pace quicker than the flow of traffic.

This might be a matter of perspective. I had become used to the torque in a 540, so in that context I agree that the n/a I6 I have now (E46 330) is pretty gutless at low rpm. By 4k it can get out of its own way, and things do become entertaining by 5k.

Over 3k does get a faster pace than most traffic, but then again it does in most cars. Even in its old age, the 540 could make quick work of most highway passes. The E46 takes more careful planning and the element of surprise in some cases.

I like the general proportions and the styling is much better than the 1 series it replaces. But I don’t care much about badges, and there’s no way I’d drop $43K+ when a well equipped Premium/Brembo 2015 GT should sticker for at least $5k less. And for once I think the Ford is the better looking 2+2 coupe (which I wouldn’t have said during the E46/E90 generations). I know few will cross shop them, but even bimmer addict friends are leaning away from the roundel for their next coupe.

As an actual cross-shopper (my short list is currently eight cars long), I have to agree. I have not had a car from the Detroit 3 since 1981 but the next Mustang looks impressive. The other car I have put on my potential list is the ATS Coupe just unveiled in Detroit. Really pretty and with a six speed manual if you take the 2.0 l turbo version. It is nice to have choices!

I cross shopped the two. The only real reason why the Mustang was “inferior” was it rear axle. That is being taken care of and the new GT will be a great competitor to the M3 for those that are focusing on driving. Now BMW will other things that may be nicer (maybe?) but you pay a lot for it.

I think I like it (well, I’ve only seen this one image…) even if I dread the usual consequences of actually owning a BMW, besides looking good, it will drive well, and it’s a new reasonably sized BMW coupe that doesn’t weigh more than my CRV :) I’m also one of the few that wouldn’t mind a screaming 4 banger, like the original M3.

Ick 3300 lbs??? So much for the rumored sub 3000 lb curb weight for the 228i. There goes my interest. As an FR-S with class, this thing is acceptable. But at that weight and size, if it’s chasing the e46, a true e46 successor MUST have the normally aspirated straight six. Not to mention while light weight can help disguise crappy EPS, at that weight, you know it’s going to be the numb dull experience we’ve come to expect from BMW. yawn. guess I’m keeping the e46.

Definitely a contender for position of my next toy car. The new Mustang with turbo-4 being the other one. Need to drive both and see. Ultimately I expect it to come down to save some cash vs. get to do European delivery again. And the price break for Euro delivery for the 2-series is pretty nice, which is likely to narrow the gap. I think a sport line 228i will be sufficient for me.

There’s a more breathing room, which in theory this is the step down from using BMW’s new nomenclature, but if you’re looking t the 3-series (or are simply more interested in the sedan anyway) then yeah, things get tight pretty quick. The gap between an M235 and a 335 is only $300, although the M235 is more directly equivalent to a 335 M-sport with PPK, which pushes the gap closer to $5k, which is also roughly the differential between a 228 and a 328. But it’s certainly far closer than the gap between a 528 and a 328, or a 535 and a 335.

Are there any specs out yet on this 2-series? Despite it being labeled by press as a “mini” or “compact” car, I’m curious what it’s actual length/width/height etc. are in comparison to say an E36 coupe. Often with model bloat, new lower denomenated models end up being as big as or bigger than their forebearers in their prime… basically a 2 series may now be in the sweet spot that the E36 M3 occupied. Perhaps I’ll stumble to NAIAS with a tape measure.

I’m with 3Deuce. A wagon, or 5-door HB. If they’d ever brought the 1 HB over here, I’d own one, but the 2D 128 went away after two years. Still miss driving it, but not trying to live with two doors and a very short trunk lid.

My understanding is that the 228 will be just under 3,000 lbs and the M235i will be just under 3,300 lbs. I read somewhere that the heavier 6 plus reinforcing are the culprits in the weight gain. I also read that the 2 Series was going to have 50/50 weight distribution. I’m wondering whether that would only apply to the 228, leaving the 235i a tad nose heavy.

@ccd1 – I hope you’re right. My experience with rental cars is that a lighter car can help mask the ill effects of electric power steering, not sure if it’s because less boost is required or simply because the effects of light weight are still readily noticeable even through the filter of EPS. Hopefully the combo of that low curb weight, near perfect weight distribution, and RWD would deliver a driving experience closer to a Toyobaru or S2000 (both of which had/have EPS) than a F30. As a slightly more refined Toyobaru, this car makes a more compelling case for itself and the N20 is more acceptable. If all it is is an e46 without the driving involvement and the soulful engines, I don’t see a point. Being only available as a two door (at least a sedan or hatch could potentially carve out a nitch), I also fail to see it making a compelling case (other than snob appel) for itself over competition like the Mustang (both V6 and V8) or Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 If my choices are all 3300 lb+ impractical two doors with numb steering and at best average handling (compared to an e46), I’m gonna choose the ones that at least come with entertainment under the hood and affordable repair costs.

Wow…so this is basically the replacement for the E90 335i. It’s only about 55 pounds lighter, with about 1% more weight on the front wheels. Being the new E90 is not a bad thing by any means if it drives as well, but an improvement would’ve been nice.

Same power, though the 228i does it with a bit more torque lower in the rev range. The good news is the 228i gets much better gas mileage and is much better equipped for dramatically less $. I think E36 M3s were around $40k near the end of their run.

I would like to think the 228i is more reliable too, but who knows with BMW. Probably less reliable now that I think about it.